Starmer condemned the US president’s claim that allied forces stayed off the front line, saying it insulted British personnel who died on operations in Afghanistan. He demanded an apology and insisted UK troops served at the front and made significant sacrifices.

At Davos, Trump said the US should acquire part of Greenland for strategic defence, asserting that ownership is needed to safeguard the Arctic. He ruled out force but warned that refusal would be noted and carry consequences.

At Davos, Emmanuel Macron denounced “bullies”, urging rule of law over the law of the strongest, in a pointed rebuke to Donald Trump. He rejected a “new colonial approach” amid US pressure over Greenland and criticised renewed attacks on Nato allies, including Britain’s Chagos plan.

The EU plans €93bn in retaliatory tariffs after US threats tied to pressure over Greenland. It is also weighing curbs on some American firms. The PM told the president that using punitive levies to force a sale would be wrong, with leaders set to press the case at Davos.